UP Law Debate and Moot Court Union

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UP Law Debate and Moot Court Union

The UP LDMU is the official moot court and debate organization of the UP College of Law. Monroe Moot Court Competition on Media Law.

Year after year, the UP LDMU, through the awards and accolades our moot and debate teams receive here and abroad in various competitions, affirm in no small measure the UP College of Law’s position as a top and premier law school in the nation, the region, and the world. In the past years, our teams have won international, regional and national championships for prestigious moot court competitions

such as the Asia Cup, the Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Moot Court Competition, the Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition; the National Moot Court Competition on International Humanitarian Law; the Jean-Pictet Competition; the Stetson International Moot Court Competition on Environmental Law, and; the Price E. Many of our members have also garnered Best Oralist awards, with our teams also winning multiple Best Memorial awards in their respective competitions. The list goes on, extending to decades of excellence in legal research and oral advocacy. The Executive Committee for A.Y. 2022-2023 is composed of:
President - Micah (Bob) Ecarma
Secretary General - Adrian Padilla
Vice President for Team Management - Esabelle Catameo
Vice President for Membership - Paolo Jose
Vice President for Externals - Trishia Fernandez
Vice President for Finance - Michiko Lokin

You may get in touch with us at [email protected]

21/04/2026

The UP Law Debate and Moot Court Union extends its warmest congratulations to the UP Law Price Team for finishing as World Quarterfinalists in the International Rounds of the 2025–2026 Price Media Law Moot Court Competition, held on April 13–17, 2026 in Oxford, England.

The team delivered a strong performance, sweeping all of their preliminary rounds and earning their place among the top eight teams in the world.

Widely regarded as the premier moot court competition in media law, the Monroe E. Price Media Law Moot Court Competition brings together leading law schools to grapple with cutting-edge issues on freedom of expression, digital rights, and media regulation. This year’s problem engaged questions on balancing national security concerns with the rights to privacy and freedom of expression under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, examining matters such as surveillance of journalists’ communications, prior restraints on publication, and the broader impact of digital monitoring and sanctions on public discourse.

The UP Law Price Team is composed of Arielle V. Leyva (IV-BGCDay1), Tamara Virginia P. Domingo (IV-BGCDay1), Eduardo Carlo Ildefonso F. Oleta (IV-BGCDay1), Sophia Lorena L. Pugay (IV-C), and Marion Maeghan G. Sanchez (II-D), under the guidance of Coach Prof. Michael Tiu Jr. and Adviser Prof. Rommel Casis.

Congratulations, UP Law Price Team! We are proud of you.

20/04/2026

The UP Law Debate and Moot Court Union proudly congratulates the UP Law Stetson Team for finishing as World Quarterfinalists at the International Rounds of the 30th Stetson Annual International Environmental Moot Court Competition, held from April 15–18, 2026 in Gulfport, Florida, USA.

The team delivered an exceptional showing throughout the preliminary rounds, notably defeating Pontifical Javeriana University—the eventual recipient of the Best Memorial Award—and securing their place among the top eight teams in the world.

In recognition of their outstanding advocacy, both oralists—who served as swing speakers in all rounds—earned top speaker distinctions from a field of over 70 competitors. Charlyn M. Lastrollo ranked 6th Best Speaker, while Aaron Reiel A. Chan ranked 4th Best Speaker.

This year’s moot problem addressed complex and emerging issues in international environmental law, including prior informed consent in relation to access to the DNA of extinct species, as well as whether digital sequence information (DSI) falls within the scope of biotechnology and the legal consequences for its use.

The team is composed of Aaron Reiel A. Chan (III-D), Joshua Tristan N. Dita (III-E), and Charlyn M. Lastrollo (II-DilEve1), and is coached by Prof. Maria Patricia Valeña.

Once again, congratulations to the UP Law Stetson Team on this remarkable and well-earned achievement.

08/04/2026

The UP Law Debate and Moot Court Union proudly congratulates the UP Law Jessup Team for breaking to the Advanced Rounds of the 2026 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, held from 28 March to 4 April 2026 in Washington, D.C., USA.

After competing in four rigorous Preliminary Rounds against universities from the United States, Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Slovakia, the team placed within the top third of over 800 participating teams worldwide and advanced to the Run-Off Rounds.

Beyond breaking to the Advanced Rounds, the team further distinguished itself at the International Rounds, placing 19th in the Alona E. Evans Award for Best Team Memorials out of more than 150 submissions in the International Rounds. Moreover, Mackie N. Valenzuela received the Ved P. Nanda Award for Top 50 Oralists Worldwide, ranking 41st among nearly 550 oralists and earning distinction as one of the competition’s leading advocates.

Widely regarded as the world’s largest and most prestigious moot court competition, this year’s Jessup problem presented complex issues on: (1) intervention before the International Court of Justice; (2) the rights of Indigenous Peoples to consultation and free, prior, and informed consent under international law; (3) transnational double jeopardy as a general principle of law in the context of a bilateral extradition treaty; and (4) the immunity of state-owned instrumentalities for tortious acts in the context of rare earth mining.

The 2026 UP Law Jessup Team is composed of Andre Cauilan (II-A), Kimberly Joy Dimaapi (IV-GI), John Jared Garcia (III-D), Rachel Roxas (III-D), and Team Captain Mackie Valenzuela (V-Eve2), under the guidance of Prof. Abelardo Hernandez and Atty. Peterson P**n.

We are immensely proud of the team’s dedication, discipline, and excellence. Congratulations once again on this outstanding achievement!

07/04/2026

UP Law breaks into the Top 64 in the 33rd Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot (Vienna) after a decade-long hiatus.

The UP Law Debate and Moot Court Union proudly congratulates the Vis Moot Team for breaking into the advanced rounds (Round of 64) and receiving the Eric E. Bergsten Award for Best Team Orals (Honorable Mention III), following its performance in the general rounds. This marks the return of UP Law to Vienna and in the world’s largest arbitration moot after more than 15 years of not fielding a team. UP Law notably did not participate in any Pre-Moot for the 33rd Vis.

The oral rounds, held on March 28 to April 2, 2026, welcomed 384 teams from 90+ countries. The moot focused on a dispute between two private companies under a contract governed by the Convention on the International Sales of Goods (CISG). Issues revolved around the applicable version of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) Rules, third-party funding, force majeure exemption, and computation of damages.

The UP Law Vis Moot team consisted of Team Captain Tim G. Kho (IV-Eve1), Rick Zuriel T. Capuli (IV-EH), and Yogee Dy-Liacco Mann (IV-BGCEve1). The team was coached by Professor Joan de Venecia-Fabul.

Congratulations, UP Law Vis Team for the excellent comeback!

28/02/2026

The UP Law Debate and Moot Court Union warmly congratulates the UP Law Jessup Team for an exceptional showing at the 2026 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, held from February 25 to 27, 2026.

The team delivered a flawless 4–0 performance in the preliminary rounds, emerging as one of the top four teams out of 24 participating law schools and advancing to the semifinals. In individual distinctions, John Jared Garcia was recognized as the 9th Best Oralist of the Preliminary Rounds, while Mackie Valenzuela earned the distinction of 8th Best Oralist of the Preliminary Rounds.

Although their national run concluded in the semifinals, the team’s remarkable performance secures UP Law’s place to represent the Philippines in the International Rounds to be held at Washington, D.C. for the 9th consecutive year in a row.

Widely regarded as the world’s largest and most prestigious moot court competition, the Jessup posed a challenging set of issues this year, including: (1) intervention before the International Court of Justice; (2) the rights of Indigenous Peoples to consultation and free, prior, and informed consent under international law; (3) extradition and double jeopardy as a general principle of law; and (4) the immunity of state-owned instrumentalities for tortious acts in the context of rare earth mining activities.

The 2026 UP Law Jessup Team is composed of Andre Cauilan (II-A), John Jared Garcia (III-D), Kimberly Joy Dimaapi (IV-GI), Rachel Roxas (III-D), and Mackie Valenzuela (V-Eve2), under the guidance of Prof. Abelardo Hernandez and Atty. Peterson P**n.

We are immensely proud of the team’s dedication, discipline, and excellence. Congratulations once again on this outstanding achievement.

18/01/2026

The UP Law Debate and Moot Court Union (UP LDMU) proudly congratulates the UP Law Contingent for emerging as CHAMPIONS of the 2026 Philippine Law Debate Championship (PLDC), hosted by the San Beda Law Debate Circle.

UP Law dominated the tournament, winning all five (5) preliminary matches and breaking as the top team in the advanced rounds, out of over 30 teams from 21 schools. Johanna Trisha Cinco was also recognized as the Overall 8th Best Speaker overall.

In the Championship Round held at Casa Blanca, Intramuros, Manila, UP Law faced the Arellano University School of Law and took the affirmative side, arguing that American exceptionalism is abhorrent in international law. Denzelle Caro was awarded Best Speaker of the Championship Round.

UP Law also earned top adjudicator recognition: Hannah Solayao was named the Overall Best Adjudicator, and served as Grand Finals Chair of the Mendiola Cup Finals leg of the PLDC, held at San Beda University, Manila.

The team is composed of Art Joseph S. Tarranza (II-C), Denzelle Jude P. Caro (I-G), and Johanna Trisha C. Cinco (I-EVE-3) as speakers, with Hannah D. Solayao (I-EVE-3) as adjudicator.

The UP Law community is incredibly proud of the PLDC Team for representing the College with excellence in law debate. Congratulations!

17/01/2026

The UP Law Debate and Moot Court Union congratulates the UP Law Stetson Team for finishing as Quarterfinalists in the 30th Stetson Annual International Environmental Moot Court Competition – Southeast Asian Regional Rounds (SEARR), held from January 15 to 17, 2026, at the UP College of Law.

This year marked the largest SEARR to date, with 33 teams from across Southeast Asia participating. Aaron Reiel A. Chan was recognized as the 2nd Best Oralist in the Preliminary Rounds, placing among over 100 participants.

This year's moot problem tackled complex questions on prior informed consent for access to DNA of extinct species, as well as whether digital sequence information (DSI) falls within the scope of biotechnology, and the legal implications for its users.

The team is composed of Aaron Reiel A. Chan (III-D), Joshua Tristan N. Dita (III-E), and Charlyn M. Lastrollo (II-DilEve1) and coached by Prof. Maria Patricia Valeña.

Congratulations to the UP Law Stetson Team on this well-deserved achievement!

15/01/2026

The UP Law Debate and Moot Court Union sends its biggest congratulations to the UP Law Price Team for an outstanding finish as FINALISTS in the Asia-Pacific Regional Rounds of the 2025–2026 Price Media Law Moot Court Competition, held on January 11–14, 2025 at Lyceum of the Philippines University, Manila.

The Monroe E. Price Media Law Moot Court Competition is widely regarded as the premier moot court competition in media law, bringing together top teams to argue cutting-edge issues on freedom of expression, digital rights, and media regulation.

Special congratulations to our awardees:
6TH BEST ORALIST – Arielle V. Leyva
7TH BEST ORALIST – Eduardo Carlo Ildefonso F. Oleta

With this result, the team will represent the Philippines in the International Rounds, to be held at the University of Oxford.

This year’s problem raised timely questions on the balance between protection from national security threats, and the rights to privacy and freedom of expression under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It tackled issues such as monitoring journalists’ communications, restrictions that prevent publication, and the impact of digital surveillance and sanctions on public discourse.

The UP Law Price Team is composed of Arielle V. Leyva (IV-BGCDay1), Tamara Virginia P. Domingo (IV-BGCDay1), Eduardo Carlo Ildefonso F. Oleta (IV-BGCDay1), Sophia Lorena L. Pugay (IV-C), and Marion Maeghan G. Sanchez (II-D), coached by Prof. Michael Tiu Jr. and advised by Prof. Rommel Casis.

Congratulations, UP Law Price Team! We are proud of you, and we are cheering for you all the way to the International Rounds.

07/01/2026

The UP Law Debate and Moot Court Union (LDMU) proudly congratulates its members who passed the 2025 Bar Exams! May the skills you’ve honed in oral advocacy and memorial writing through moot court and law debate carry you forward—upholding the excellence, critical thinking, and principled advocacy of a UP Law mooter and debater.

A special congratulations as well to our Bar Exam Topnotchers: Ignacio Lorenzo D.C. Villareal, Top 15 (89.70%), and Chinzen T. Viernes, Top 19 (89.35%). We are immensely proud of you both!

04/12/2025

UP LDMU proudly congratulates this year’s UP Law IHL Team for emerging as the National Champions in the 2025 National Moot Court Competition on International Humanitarian Law organized by the Philippine Red Cross.

The team delivered an outstanding performance, sweeping all major awards. They received the awards for both Best Prosecution Memorial and Best Defense Memorial. In the oral rounds, Kathryn Cutler was named Best Oralist of the General Rounds, while Mikayla Guerriva was recognized as the Second Best Oralist of the General Rounds. The team also placed first runner-up in the Roleplay Round, and Mikayla Guerriva earned the distinction of being the Best Oralist of the Final Round—culminating in the team’s overall victory as National Champions in the Final Round held at the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

Because of their excellent performance, the team will be representing the Philippines in the International Rounds organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to be held early next year at Hong Kong.

The team is composed of Kathryn Renee T. Cutler (III-E), Mikayla Andrea U. Guerriva (III-E), and Arvie Joyce G. Cayabyab (II-A), coached by Prof. Lee Yarcia.

This year’s problem involved the prosecution of a military commander for the war crimes of torture and murder under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The case explored issues on the status of armed conflict, command responsibility, and the basic principles of international humanitarian law in the context of international criminal proceedings.

Once again, congratulations to the UP Law IHL Team. The entire UP Law community is proud of your success!

26/07/2025

TODAY AT MALCOLM HALL: The UP Law Debate and Moot Court Union (UP LDMU) held its Moot Court Orientation Seminar, welcoming UP Law students eager to explore the world of mooting.

Prof. Rommel Casis, Faculty Adviser, opened the session by highlighting how moot court deepens one’s legal understanding beyond classroom learning and helps develop well-rounded, effective advocates.

Mackie Valenzuela (VP for Externals; Jessup 2025, IHL 2023, ICC 2023) delivered a lecture on the fundamentals of moot court, sharing key strategies on writing submissions and delivering oral arguments. During the Q&A, students asked about balancing mooting with academics and how different competitions promote distinct legal advocacies.

Former mooters then gave a detailed overview of the various competitions UP joins, sources of law used in moots, research techniques, and more.

Angelica Mercado (VP for Team Management; Stetson 2025) announced the launch of Moot Camp, a training program open to all UP Law students interested in joining future competitions.

To conclude the event, Joshua Cabrera (President; Jessup 2025, ICC 2023) emphasized the role of moot court in shaping perspectives on significant international legal issues. He encouraged students to look forward to further announcements on how to become part of UP Law’s mooting tradition.

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Quezon City

Website

http://upldmu.com/

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